Cooking Gloves

ABSTRACT

A heat protective glove or mitt for children to enable them to safely handle hot items taken from ovens, microwaves, toaster ovens and the like, enhancing the protection of children in the kitchen and reducing burns. The gloves are heat resistant and designed longer than normal, below the wrist, and are fitted to the contour of the hands and arms of children. The gloves are made of a material that is heat resistant up to about 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which increases and encourages safe handling of hot items, relatively thin, and does not restrict the natural movement of the child&#39;s hand, allowing for easier maneuvering and independent movement of the pinky finger.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application relates to and claims the benefit of priority from U.S.Provisional Application 60/862,278 filed on Oct. 20, 2006, and UnitedStates Design Applications 29/278,712 and 29/718,718, both filed Apr. 6,2007, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the disclosuresof which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a heat protective glove or mitt thatenables a variety of wearers to handle hot items taken from ovens,microwaves, toaster ovens, mass produced mini-ovens for children (e.g.,Easy Bake Ovens®), and the like or for use when operating outdoorgrills. More particularly, the present invention relates to a glove ormitt that is heat resistant with a longer than normal sleeve anddesigned slightly fitted to the contour of a hand and arm.

Heat protective hand covering devices such as oven mitts and potholdersare well-known in the art. They are used to handle hot items in thekitchen or when handling a hot item taken from an oven, stove,microwave, toaster or outdoor grill. Traditionally, these devices provetoo bulky and inflexible for use by wearers who have smaller hands andless dexterity than adults. In addition to being too large andinflexible, traditional oven mitts do not provide sufficient grip forsmall hands and those who have limited dexterity and range of movement.

Over the years there has been an increase in the marketing to childrenof products that require heating in microwaves, toaster ovens and thelike. As a result, children will and sometimes get their toast andwaffle out of the toaster or pull their oatmeal or macaroni and cheesefrom the microwave. Many children want to make hot chocolate by heatingwater in a microwave. Although it may be best for children to refrainfrom handling such hot items, in some instances they are required to orinsist upon doing it themselves and with the increased need for safetyand protection of children in the kitchen comes a need for a vastimprovement of the traditional oven mitt. According to a study at theUniversity of Chicago Burn Center, removing hot food from microwaves isone of the most frequent ways in which children under the age of fiveburn themselves. Child Magazine reported: “Opening a microwave andremoving hot food is one of the most frequent ways children under theage of five burned themselves, according to a study at the University ofChicago Burn Center.” Also, just recently this year, a major toymanufacturer recalled over 1,000,000 toy ovens after dozens of childrenburned their hands.

Presently, there is no type of cooking glove or mitt suitable forchildren to handle such hot items. Although there are the traditionaloven mitts and potholders, they prove ineffective for young children.For instance, the traditional oven mitts are too large, bulky and roomyinside. They cover essentially the hand and only a very small portion ofthe arm. Their design prevents children from being able to carefullyhandle hot items in the kitchen and from being able to maneuver safelyas one must in a kitchen.

Moreover, current oven mitts and potholders are extremely outdated andare manufactured for adults who cook. Oven mitts get their name becausethe original intent was for them to be used inside of a traditionaloven. Potholders were to be used for pots that are on top of a stove andto assist with the holding of a hot handle or simmering lid. With newerinventions/appliances including the toaster, toaster oven, microwave andgreater use of these appliances by children, teenagers and the disabled,no other invention or design of the oven mitt/potholder has addressedthese current and updated ways of food preparation.

Because parents are short on time and buy numerous variations ofconvenience foods that their children usually prepare for themselves,including hot cereals, microwaveable foods, frozen foods, pizzas andpopcorn that are heated in the microwave, and hot beverages and becauseso many of these items are marketed to children, there is a special needfor cooking mitts/gloves designed for use by children. Also, becausechildren are cooking and heating foods at an age that is becoming evenyounger, the risks are becoming even greater.

In addition to the proliferation of convenience food offerings in thepast three decades, which are prepared by children, there are numerouscooking classes, chef-in-training courses and cooking vacations/campsgeared toward children. This demonstrates the increased need forappropriate protection for children working in and around the kitchen.

Recently, The Wall Street Journal Online reported that “the selectionoverall [of oven mitts] is growing. Retailer Cooking.com carries 57 ovenmitts, up from 3 in 2000.”In a review of these gloves, none was designedto be used by children. There is thus a real need in the marketplace forcooking gloves/mitts designed especially for use by children.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aheat-resistant cooking glove for handling hot items in the kitchen andelsewhere, to prevent burns and which is otherwise free of theabove-mentioned problems and disadvantages.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a glove ormitt with separation of the pinky finger/smallest digit for independentmovement which aids in the grasping, holding or handling of hot fooditems and heavier food dishes, containers, larger pots, pans orcasserole dishes.

The above and other objects of the invention are accomplished by aheat-resistant protective glove suitable for handling hot items. Theglove includes a heat-resistant hand covering member for accommodating ahand, and having a length “L” to cover at least the palm and wrist; afirst, second and third covering members, the first covering memberbeing a thumb covering member for accommodating a thumb, the secondcovering member accommodating the ring, middle and index fingers, andthe third covering member accommodating the pinky finger. The handcovering member and the first, second and third covering members areformed to the contour of the hand and made of at least an outer, middleand inner material, which are heat resistant up to about at least 350 to450 degrees Fahrenheit. The glove further includes gripping elementspositioned on a front and back of the hand covering member and thefirst, second and third covering members. The gripping elements beingheat resistant and aiding in gripping items with the glove.

The above and other objects of the invention are further accomplished bya heat-resistant protective glove suitable for handling hot items. Theheat-resistant hand covering member for accommodating a hand, and havinga length “L” to cover at least the palm and wrist; a thumb coveringmember for accommodating and covering a thumb; finger covering membersdesigned to cover each of the four fingers of the hand. The handcovering member, thumb covering member, and the finger covering membersare formed to the contour of the hand and made of at least an outer,middle and inner material, which are heat resistant up to about at least350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The glove also includes gripping elementspositioned on a front and back of the hand covering member, thumbcovering members, and the finger covering members. The gripping elementsbeing heat resistant and aiding in gripping items with the glove.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and nature of the invention will appear more fully uponconsideration of the illustrative embodiment of the invention that isset forth in the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cooking glove according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of a cooking glove according to thepresent invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a front elevational view of a cooking glove according to thepresent invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a cooking glove according to the presentinvention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a cooking glove according to the presentinvention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of three fingered cooking gloveaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a front elevational view of three fingered cooking gloveaccording to the present invention of FIG. 8;

FIG. 6B is a front elevational view of three fingered cooking gloveaccording to the present invention of FIG. 8;

FIG. 7 is a top view of three fingered cooking glove according to thepresent invention of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of three fingered cooking glove according to thepresent invention of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a heat resistant hand covering glove ormitt, designated generally as 1 for a first embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 4 and as 10 for a second embodiment as seen in FIGS. 5through 8. The glove is designed to be worn on either the right or lefthand and is not left or right specific. Therefore, both sides of theglove have the same or substantially same design and simply by flippingthe glove over it can be worn on the right or left hand. In this regard,even if the figures may show a left-handed glove, it will be understoodthat the glove is also suitable for the right hand. Moreover, becausethe gloves are not bulky or awkward and conform to the natural shape andmovement of one's hand, they can be worn from the refrigerator to thestove to the dishwasher to the table and can remain on until all thework in the kitchen is complete. Even more, a user may wear a glove onone or both hands while preparing and handling hot items during cookingand performing all kitchen tasks, although wearing a glove on both handsis recommended when being used by children. The embodiments describedherein are for purposes of illustrating the present invention, and notintended to be limiting in anyway.

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the gloveaccording to the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1, the glove 1includes a heat resistant hand-covering member 12 that forms the mainbody of the glove including the palm section of the hand. Thehand-covering member 12 includes an opening 14 for receiving the hand ofthe user. The glove 1 includes five compartments for receiving the thumband four fingers. Accordingly, a thumb covering member 18 and fourfinger-covering members 16 are formed with, and are integral to, thehand covering member 12 to form a five finger glove. The glove 1 isformed to the contour of a hand and arm such that it is not bulky orloose, and provides the user with substantially more dexterity andagility when used as compared to what is conventional in the art. Thecontour and fit of the glove 1 is such that it may be worn during thepreparation, cooking and completion of food item, and not removed untilone is ready to eat.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a glove according to the first embodimentwith a length L1 (FIG. 2A) and L2 (FIG. 2B) of different dimensions. Thelength L1 is intended to cover below the palm of the hand and wrist. Thelength L2 is slightly longer and designed to cover below the wrist andabout half-way to the elbow of the user's arm. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustratetop and bottom views, respectively of the cooking glove according to thefirst embodiment. As can be seen from these figures, the glove isdesigned relatively thinly without bulk such that it fits fairly snuglyto the contour of the user's hand and arm.

The glove 1 is formed of a material 25, 26, 27 that are heat resistantup to about at least 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and be able towithstand temperatures routinely encountered in handling items in akitchen, such as the oven, microwave, stovetop, toaster, toaster oven,etc. By way of example, materials used for the preferred embodimentshave included on the outer portion of the glove 26 an interlocking weftknit of different yarns. The middle layer 27 (FIG. 4) consists of Nomex®(a high temperature-resistant fiber made by DuPont™) which is certifiedto National Fire Protection Association standards, or a material that issimilar in terms of its structure, composition, performance and heatresistance. The lining layer 25 (FIG. 4) of the glove is composed of afire resistant, 100% polyester material. The glove should also be madeof a material that is washable.

Finally, the glove 1 may incorporate gripping elements 24 to the glove1. As seen in FIG. 1, the gripping elements 24 are applied to the palmside of the glove from top to bottom. The gripping elements 24 serve toenhance gripping of items and to provide added heat resistance to theglove. The gripping elements 24 may be applied to the entirety of theinner portion of the glove, or portions. At a minimum, it is preferredthat the gripping elements 24 be applied to the palm section of member12 and extend to the tips of the finger members 16 and tip of the thumbmember 18. In these non-limiting examples, the gripping elements 24 maybe made from a silicone-based material that is heat resistant up to 450degrees Fahrenheit. The gripping elements 24 may be applied in othermanners to the glove. For example, more or less strips of the grippingelements 24 may be used or the gripping elements may be oriented inother directions and patterns. As stated above because the glove isdesigned for both the right and left hand, the other side of the glovewill similarly have gripping elements 24 applied and positioned to thepalm side of the glove from top to bottom.

FIGS. 5 through 8 illustrate a second embodiment of the glove accordingto the present invention. Similar elements have been designated with thesame reference numerals as in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

Here, as seen in FIG. 5, the glove 10 is a three-pronged glove. Thethree strongest fingers (ring, middle and index fingers) are placedtogether/closely situated for better handling and the thumb and pinkyfinger are separate to promote dexterity, better handling and steadinessof movement for those without fully developed hands.

The glove 10 includes a heat-resistant hand-covering member 12 thatforms the main body of the glove including the palm section of the hand.A combined covering member 20 for the index, middle and ring fingers isformed integral to the hand-covering member 12. The glove 10 alsoincludes a covering member 22 for the smallest (pinky) finger and athumb portion 18, both of which are formed integral with the coveringmember 12. As with the first embodiment, the glove 10 is formed to thecontour of a hand and arm such that it is not bulky or loose, andprovides the user with substantially more dexterity and agility whenused as compared to what is conventional in the art.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a glove according to the first embodimentwith a length L1 (FIG. 2A) and L2 (FIG. 2B) of different dimensions. Thelength L1 is intended to cover below the palm of the hand and wrist. Thelength L2 is slightly longer and designed to cover below the wrist andabout half-way to the elbow of the user's arm.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate top and bottom views, respectively of thecooking glove according to the second embodiment. As can be seen fromthese figures, the glove is designed relatively thinly without bulk suchthat it fits fairly snugly to the contour of the user's hand and arm.

Similar to the first embodiment, the glove 10 may be constructed of thesame type of materials for both the outer portion 26 of the glove,middle layer 27 and the inner lining 25. The glove 10 may alsoincorporate gripping elements 24 to assist in gripping of items andimprove the heat resistance of the glove.

The gloves 1, 10 will contribute to the increased safety for childrenand/or adults with limited hand mobility and/or dexterity when cookingin the kitchen. The glove 1, 10 are especially designed for use by thosewith small hands, with the glove 1, 10 extending about three inches pastthe wrist of the wearer (FIGS. 2A, 6A) or three to eight inches past thewrist of the wearer (FIGS. 2B, 6B). The glove 1, 10 would generallycontour closely to the user's hand and wrist area to enhance the naturalmovement and tendencies of the hand, rather than restrict such movementsas is the case with conventional gloves. There has thus been shown anddescribed a novel heat-resistant glove which fulfills all the objectsand advantages sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variationsand other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however,become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering thespecification and the accompanying drawings which disclose preferredembodiments thereof. All such changes, modifications, variations andother uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit andscope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention whichis limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof which follow.

1. A heat-resistant protective glove suitable for handling hot items,the glove comprising: a heat-resistant hand covering member foraccommodating a hand, and having a length “L” to cover at least the palmand wrist; a first, second and third covering members, the firstcovering member being a thumb covering member for accommodating a thumb,the second covering member accommodating the ring, middle and indexfingers, and the third covering member accommodating the pinky finger;wherein the hand covering member and the first, second and thirdcovering members being formed to the contour of a hand and made of atleast an outer, middle and inner material, the middle and innermaterials being heat resistant up to about at least 350 to 450 degreesFahrenheit; and gripping elements positioned on a front and back of thehand covering member and the first, second and third covering members;the gripping elements being heat resistant and aiding in gripping itemswith the glove.
 2. The glove according to claim 1, wherein the grippingelements are made of silicone-based material.
 3. The glove according toclaim 1, wherein front and back sides of the hand covering member andthe first, second and third covering members of the glove are similarlydesigned such the glove is reversible for wear on both the right andleft hands.
 4. The glove according to claim 2, wherein front and backsides of the hand covering member and the first, second and thirdcovering members of the glove are similarly designed such the glove isreversible for wear on both the right and left hands.
 5. The gloveaccording to claim 2, wherein the gripping elements run vertically fromthe tips of the fingers down towards the palm of a hand.
 6. The gloveaccording to claim 1, wherein the gripping elements are comprised ofstrips of a silicone based material running from finger tip towards thepalm of the hand.
 7. The glove according to claim 1, wherein the length“L” covers the palm, wrist and halfway towards the elbow.
 8. Aheat-resistant protective glove suitable for handling hot items, theglove comprising: a heat-resistant hand covering member foraccommodating a hand, and having a length “L” to cover at least the palmand wrist; a thumb covering member for accommodating and covering athumb; finger covering members designed to cover each of the fourfingers of the hand; wherein the hand covering member, thumb coveringmember, and the finger covering members being formed to the contour ofthe hand and made of at least an outer, middle and inner material, themiddle and inner materials being heat resistant up to about at least 350to 450 degrees Fahrenheit; and gripping elements positioned on a frontand back of the hand covering member, thumb covering members, and thefinger covering members; the gripping elements being heat resistant andaiding in gripping items with the glove.
 9. The glove according to claim8, wherein the gripping elements are made of silicone-based material.10. The glove according to claim 8, wherein front and back sides of thehand covering member and the first, second and third covering members ofthe glove are similarly designed such said glove is reversible for wearon both the right and left hands.
 11. The glove according to claim 9,wherein front and back sides of the hand covering member, thumb coveringmember, and the finger covering members of the glove are similarlydesigned such said glove is reversible for wear on both the right andleft hands.
 12. The glove according to claim 9, wherein the grippingelements run vertically from the tips of the fingers down towards thepalm of a hand.
 13. The glove according to claim 8, wherein the grippingelements are comprised of strips of a silicone based material runningfrom finger tip towards the palm of the hand.
 14. The glove according toclaim 8, wherein said length “L” covers the palm, wrist and halfwaytowards the elbow.